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Using a water based lubricant can help reduce irritation that can trigger a herpes episode. To know more about tripping herpes triggers, watch this informative video.

Transcript: Once genital herpes is contracted it lives in the body forever-often lying dormant-but it can become...

Once genital herpes is contracted it lives in the body forever-often lying dormant-but it can become activated by certain triggers. While everyone's triggers vary, there are some common experiences that make herpes flare-up in many people. For example, some find that the friction of sex irritates the genital skin and brings on symptoms. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce this irritation, but DON'T use one that contains the spermacide nonoxynol-9. This ingredient can irritate mucous membranes, such as the lining of the vagina, making symptoms worse. In addition, some people find that hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, can trigger outbreaks. And one of the most universal causes of herpes flare-ups is a weakened immune system, like in people suffering from colds.

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If you're not sure how to protect against HPV, watch this video to learn about the vaccine used to protect against certain strains of HPV.

Transcript: In 2006, the FDA approved Gardasil, the first vaccine to protect against certain strains of the human...

In 2006, the FDA approved Gardasil, the first vaccine to protect against certain strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Although there are over 100 strains of this virus, only about 40 are harmful. Gardasil protects against four specific strains of HPV, numbers 6 and 11, which cause 90 percent of genital warts cases, and numbers 16 and 18, which can lead to 70 percent of cervical cancers! Gardasil is approved for use in females between the ages of 9 and 26, although-since the virus is passed sexually-girls yet to have intercourse are the best candidates.

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If left untreated, certain STDs can cause serious health problems in women. Watch this video to learn how STI testing can help keep a woman healthy.

Transcript: Women who have sex with multiple partners or have symptoms of an STD should ask for annual testing for...

Women who have sex with multiple partners or have symptoms of an STD should ask for annual testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you test positive for either of these, it's also important to be screened for syphilis, hepatitis, and HIV. That's because having one sexually transmitted disease makes you much more susceptible to contracting another. And, of course, women should always see a doctor for testing should signs of an STD occur. These include unusual discharge and strange growths or ulcerations.

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When trichomoniasis is diagnosed early, trichomoniasis treatment is more effective. Watch this video to learn about the methods and advantages of immediate treatment.

Transcript: Tests for Trichomoniasis may include a vaginal swab that is sent to a lab for diagnosis, or a 'wet prep,'...

Tests for Trichomoniasis may include a vaginal swab that is sent to a lab for diagnosis, or a 'wet prep,' which is a swab that is examined under a microscope in a doctor's office for immediate diagnosis. If the test is positive, it's very important to receive treatment. This is because genital inflammation can increase a woman's susceptibility to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It also increases the likelihood that an HIV-infected woman will pass the virus on. In addition, some studies have shown that the trichomonas vaginalis protozoan may be linked to infertility in both genders. These consequences can generally be avoided if Trichomoniasis is diagnosed early and treated with the prescription drug metronidazole, which is marketed as Flagyl, or with the recently-approved drug Tindamax. It's important not to consume alcohol during the 24 hours after Flagyl treatment, or the 72 hours following Tindamax treatment. In the case of pregnant women with symptomatic Trichomoniasis, an alternate medication, called clotrimazole, may be inserted into the vagina to decrease discomfort. Following diagnosis, a patient's partner should also be treated to ensure that the disease isn't passed back and forth. During treatment, and until symptoms abate, sex should be avoided. In addition, both partners should be tested for other STDs, because co-infection can often occur.

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Gonorrhea testing is strongly recommended at the first sign of this disease. Find out more about the testing procedure by watching this video.

Transcript: The most common way to test for gonorrhea is to obtain swabs from the areas likely to be infected and...

The most common way to test for gonorrhea is to obtain swabs from the areas likely to be infected and send them away for testing. In some cases, a doctor may perform a Gram stain, whereby cells are taken from the cervix or urethra, stained with dye, and examined under a microscope in the doctor's office. If the test comes back positive, a doctor should also screen for other STDs, as having gonorrhea may increase your risk of contracting other infections.

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Untreated gonorrhea causes scarring of Fallopian tubes, infertility and an increased risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Get to know more about it in this video.

Transcript: In women, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition can cause scarring of the...

In women, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of infertility. A woman with untreated gonorrhea is also more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially fatal condition whereby a fertilized egg develops OUTSIDE the uterus in a woman's fallopian tubes. Gonorrhea can also spread from the urethra to the testicles in men, leading to epidiymitis, a condition which can cause infertility. If a pregnant woman contracts the disease, she can also pass gonorrhea to her infant during birth. Rarely, untreated gonorrhea can also lead to disseminated gonococcal infection, which can cause arthritis and skin lesions in both genders. A gonorrhea infection can increase the risk that a person will contract HIV, OR that a person already infected with HIV will spread it.

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If you're concerned about contracting or spreading hepatitis B, you'll probably want to learn more about it. Find out the facts about hepatitis B testing and treatment from this video.

Transcript: A simple blood test can easily diagnose hepatitis B, even in people who do not experience symptoms. There...

A simple blood test can easily diagnose hepatitis B, even in people who do not experience symptoms. There is no cure for hepatitis, but most people don't require one. However, there ARE treatment options which will reduce the harm caused by chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis medications work by decreasing the virus's ability to multiply in the body, lessening damage done to the liver, and increasing the immune system's ability to fight the virus. People with chronic hepatitis are also advised to avoid drinking alcohol, as this can make liver damage worse. While these measures are helpful for stopping hepatitis B's spread, it is even better to avoid the virus altogether. This can be best accomplished by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, which is given in three doses over six months. In the United States, this vaccine has been given to infants, children, and at-risk adults since 1982. For people who believe they have been exposed to hepatitis B, and for babies born to infected mothers, a preventative medication called hepatitis B immune globulin is available to help the body fight an initial infection. Patients who receive a dose of this preventative medication should follow up the treatment with the hepatitis vaccine. This is especially important for babies born to infected mothers. Because hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage or death, it is vital to get the hepatitis B vaccine if you have not done so. You can also reduce your risk of contracting the disease by using a condom every time you have sex.

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Hepatitis B is most likely to be sexually transmitted. Find out more about the different ways of contracting hepatitis B in this video.

Transcript: In America, the most common type, hepatitis B, is also the type most likely to be transmitted sexually....

In America, the most common type, hepatitis B, is also the type most likely to be transmitted sexually. Hepatitis B is transmitted by bodily fluids and can be spread via unprotected sexual acts, the sharing of drug paraphernalia, the sharing of personal hygiene tools, like toothbrushes, and the birth of a baby to an infected mother. In 95 percent of infected individuals, the body develops antibodies to fight hepatitis B virus, and clears the infection on its own. This usually takes four to eight weeks and is known as "acute hepatitis." People with acute hepatitis often have no symptoms at all, although they are still able to transmit the virus to others before the infection clears. Some people, however, are unable to fight a hepatitis B infection and develop lifelong, "chronic hepatitis."

Chlamydia can cause irreversible damage. In women, infection can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. This condition can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility. PID also increases the chance that a woman will develop an ectopic pregnancy, whereby a fertilized egg is implanted, not in the womb, but in a fallopian tube. This can cause the tube to rupture, potentially resulting in death. An infected woman can also pass the bacterium on to her baby. This can lead to potentially fatal Chlamydial pneumonia or to potentially blinding neonatal conjunctivitis. Women who have Chlamydia are also 5 times more likely to contract HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, if exposed to it. Men do not usually experience any effects of Chlamydia. However, the disease CAN spread to the testicles, possibly resulting in infertility. On rare occasions, untreated Chlamydia can cause reactive arthritis, a disease that may lead to permanent disability.

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Diagnosing and treating chlamydia is quite simple. Watch this video to learn more about how doctors detect and treat this disease.

Transcript: Because these symptoms are nonspecific and very rare, it is recommended that ALL sexually active people,...

Because these symptoms are nonspecific and very rare, it is recommended that ALL sexually active people, be tested regularly for Chlamydia, particularly prior to having sex with a new partner. A doctor can test for the disease with a urine sample or cervical swab. If this lab test comes back positive, additional STD tests should be conducted, as having Chlamydia suggests a likelihood of additional infections. It is very important that the infected individual and ALL current partners begin treatment with antibiotics immediately. The two most common ways to treat Chlamydia are a one-time dose of azithromycin, or twice daily doses of doxycycline for a week. These medications are 95 percent effective at killing off the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium, and that's vital...because left untreated, Chlamydia can cause irreversible damage.

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If you've got herpes, you know that a herpes outbreak can be a real annoyance and don't want to take the risk of spreading it. Check out this video to learn more about treating and preventing herpes.

Transcript: To promote the fastest healing of the blisters, don't pop or touch them and wear loose-fitting, cotton...

To promote the fastest healing of the blisters, don't pop or touch them and wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear and clothing. You should also be sure to wash your hands thoroughly every time you touch your genitals, to avoid spreading the virus to other people or to other parts of your body. During a herpes outbreak, your doctor will generally provide one of three antiviral medications to help speed healing time: Zovirax, Famvir or Valtrex. Each of these medications, which are taken orally, work to prevent the DNA-replication of the virus that keeps herpes active. After the first treatment, your doctor will work with you to come up with the best way to treat and prevent recurring outbreaks of genital herpes. Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe an intermittent treatment, whereby you'll keep an antiviral medication on hand and begin taking it when you feel the onset of an outbreak

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If you're for ways to prevent herpes outbreaks, you might want to take a more natural approach. Watch this video to learn more about how diet and other lifestyle factors can help prevent a herpes outbreak.

Transcript: your doctor may recommend some easy lifestyle changes that can help reduce occurrences of outbreaks....

your doctor may recommend some easy lifestyle changes that can help reduce occurrences of outbreaks. Eating a diet high in the amino acid lysine and low in the amino acid arginine has been shown to lower the frequency of outbreaks. Foods like yogurt, cheese, bean sprouts, fish, and chicken all meet this criterion. Many people experience "triggers" that can lead to a herpes outbreak. Some common examples include extreme stress, exposure to sunlight, illness, intense sexual activity, or even certain foods, like chocolate. It may help to take note of what factors seem to trigger your attacks, and to avoid them whenever possible.